Better to be Bigger

Deuteronomy 5:32–33 KJV 1900

32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

We have been working on this idea of bettering ourselves for some time now…

Let’s continue in the same vain of thought.

We need to stop focusing on getting bigger and start focussing on getting better! - Brian Labat

Sunday I challenged us that the way for the church to become better is for we as individuals to become better.

CHARACTER - who you are when no one else is around.

Character takes a lifetime to develop..

No magic wand, no quick fixes to character issues.

Character flaws have to be identified and dealt with.

Ultimately, lasting character is forged on the anvil of experience, self-discipline and dedication.

If a person lacks integrity and character, the challenges of life will melt down and undermine any short-term successes.

Who are you when no one else is around to observe?

How can we gain wisdom that leads to character development?

It won’t be acquired by an unguided groping in darkness.

Your search for wisdom must be directed.

It starts with with a careful study of scripture…

The final authority in our lives is the Word of God.

The Word will cause you to see things that the majority over look!

Character isn’t shaped by the intellectual comprehension of truth.

It’s forged by Biblical truth that penetrates to the depth of the human heart.

That only occurs as a man or woman grapples with God’s Word and contemplates its meaning and application.

Ultimately, the goal of such a diligent study of God’s revelation is the “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 2:5).

Proverbs 2:5 KJV 1900

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.

A wise person has a reverential awe of God, holding him in high regard.

And that high view of God shapes character, which in turn controls thoughts and actions.

Remember: a little fear saves a lot of judgement!

Why does it take time to develop character?

Bad character has to be revealed.

How will godly character be revealed your life?

Your actions

How will ungodly character be expressed?

Your action

You have to take an honestly assess your good and bad traits…

…and build from there!

Good character beginsBetter tp with honest evaluation.